I>E PRESIDENTS IBM
Fclloxc Citizens of the Senate and House of
Representatives :
In the midst of unprecedented politico!
troubles we have cause of great gratitude to
God for unusually good health aud most abuu
dant harvests.
You wiM not be atrrprised that, in the pecu
liar exigencies of the times, our intercourse
*its foreign uations has been attended with
profound solicitude, chiefly turning upon our,
own domestic affairs. A disloyal portion of
the American people have, during the whole j
year, been engaged in an attempt to divide
and destroy the Union.
A nation which endures factious domestic ;
divisions is exposed to disrespect abroad ; and
one party, if not both, is sore, sooner or later,
to invoke foreign intervention. Nations thus
tempted to interfere are not always able to i
resist the counsels of seeming expediency and
ingenious ambition, although measures adop
ted under such influences seldom foil to be un
fortunate and injurious to those adopting
them.
THE REBELS NOT ENCOURAGED ABROAD.
The disloyal citizens of the United States \
who have offered the ruin of our country in
return for the aid and comfort which they have
invoked abroad, have received less patronage
and encouragement than they probably expec
ted. If it were just to suppose, as the insur
gents have seemed to assume, that foreign na
tlons in this ease, discarding all moral, social
and treaty obligations, would act solely and
selfishly for the most speedy restoration of
commerce, including especially, the acquisition
of cotton, those nations appear as yet not to
have 6cen their way to their object more di
rectly or clearly through the destruc
tion than through the preservation
of tho Union. If wo could dare to
believe that foreign nations are actuated by
no higher principles than this, I am quite sure
a second argument could bo made to show
them that they can reach their aim more rea
•lily and easily by aiding to crush this rebel
lion, than by giving encouragement to it.
The principal lever relied on by the insur
gents for the exciting foreign uations to hosti
lity against us, as already intimated, is the em
barrassment of commerce. The nations, how
ever, not improbably saw from the first that
it was the Union which made, as well our
foreign as our domestic commerce. They can
scarcely have failed to perceive that the effort
for disunion produces the existing difficulty,
and that one strong nation promises more dur
able peace, and a more extensive, valuable and
reliable commerce than can the same uatiou
broken into hostile fragments.
It is not my purpose to review oar discus
sions with foreign slates, because whatever
might be their wishes or dispositions the in
tegrity of our country and the stability of our
government mainly depends, not upon them,
bat ou the loyally, virtue, patriotism and intel
ligence of the American people. The corres
pondence itself, with the usnal reservations, is
herewith submitted I venture to hope it will
appear that we have practised prudence and
liberality towards foreign powers, averting
causes of irritation, aud, with firmness, main
taining our own rights aud honor.
Since, however, it is apparent that here, as
in every other state,foreign dangers necessari
ly attend domestic difficulties, I recommend
that adequate and ample measures be adopt
ed for maintaining the public defieuces on every
side, while, under this general recommenda
tion, provision for defending our coast line
readily occurs to the mind. J also, in the
same connection, ask the attention of Congress
to our great lakes and rivers. It is believed
that some fortifications and depots of arras and
munitions, with harbor and navigation im
provements at well selected points upon these,
would be of great importance to the national
defence and preservation.
I ask your attention to the views of the Se
cretary of War, expressed iu his report upon
the tame geucral subjects.
A NEW MILI.ir.VRY ROAD
I deem it of importance that the loyal
regions of East Tennessee and western North
Carolina should be connected with Keutueky
and other faithful parts of the Uuion by rail
road. I therefore recommend as a military
measure that Congress provide for the con
struction of such road as speedily as pos
sible.
Kentucky will uo doubt co-operate, and
through her legislature make the most judicious
nelection of a lino. The northern terminus
must connect with some existing railroad, and
whether the route shall he from Lexington or
Nichoslville to the Comberland Gap, or from
Lebanon to the Tennessee line in the direction
of Knoxville, or on somo still different line,
can easily be determined. Kentucky and the
general government, co-operating, the work
can be completed in a very short time ; and
when done it will be uot only of vast present
usefn'ness, but also a valuable permanent im
provement, worth its cost in all the future.
COMMERCIAL TREATIES.
Some treaties dasigned chiefly for the inter
ests of commerce, and having no grave politi
cal importance, have been negotiated and will
be -übmitted to the Senate for their consider
ation. Although we have failed to induce
some of the commercial powers to adopt a de
sirable melioration of the rigor of maritime
war we have removed all obstructions from the
way of this humane reform, except such us
are merely of temporary and accidental occur
rence.
TIIE CHASE OF THE BRITISH SHIR PERTHSHIRE.
1 invite your attention to the correspondence
between Her Britauic Majesty's minis
ter, accredited to this government, and the Se
cretary of State, relative to the detention of
the British.ship Perthshire in June last, by
the United States steamer Massachusetts, for
a supposed breach of the blockade. As this
detentiou was occasioned by an obvious mis
apprehension of the facts, and as justice re
quires that we should commit no belligerent
.act not founded in strict right as sanctioned
by public law, 1 recommend that an appropri
ation be made to satisfy the reasonable demaud
of the owners of the vessels for her detention.
CLAIMS AGAINST CHINA.
1 repeat the recommendation of my prede
cessor, in his annual message to Congress iu
December last, in regard to the disposition of
the surplus which will probably remain after
satisfying the claims of American citizens
against Chiua, pursuant to the awards of the
commissioners under the act of the 3d March,
1859.
If, however, it should not be deemed advi
sible to carry that recommendation into effect,
I would suggest that authority be given for
.esxtigating the "wincipal over the proceed'
of the surplus referred to iu good securities,
with a view to the satisfaction of such other
just claims of our citizens against China as
are not unlikely to nriso hereafter iu the
coarse of our extensive trade with that em
pire.
By the act of the oth of August last, Con
gress authorized the President to instruct the
commauders of suitable vessels to defend
themselves against and to capture pirates.
This authority has been exercised iu a tingle
instance on'y.
For the more effectual protection of our
extensive and valuable commerce iu the east
ern seas, especially it seems to me that it would
a'so be advisable to authorize the commanders
of sailing vessels to recapture any ptizes which
pirates may make ot the United States vessels
and their cargoes, and the consular courts es
tablished by law in eastern countries to adju
dicate the cases in the event that this should
not be objected to by the local authorities.
RECOGNITION OF HAYTI AND LIBERIA.
If any good reason exists why we should
preserve longer in withholding our recognition
of the independence and sovereignty of Havti
and Liberia, lam unable to discern it. In
willing, however, to inaugurate a novel policy
in regard to them without the approbation of
Congress, I submit for your consideration the
expediency of on appropriation for maintaining
a Charge d' Affaires near each of these new
States. It does not admit of doubt that im
portant commercial advantages might be se
cured by f avorable treaties with them.
THE TREASURY.
The operations of the Treasury during the
period which has elapsed since your adjourn
ment, have been conducted with signal sue
cess. The patriotism of the people has placed
at the disposal of the government the large
means demanded by the public exigencies.—
Much of the national loan has been taken by
citizens of the industrial classes, whose confi
dence in their country's faith, and zeal for their
country's deliverance from its present peril,
bave induced them to contribute to the sup
port of the government the whole of their limit
ed acquisitions. This fact imposes peculiar
obligations to economy in disbursement and
energy in action.
Estimates for this remaining three-quarters
of the year, and for the financial year of 1862
together with his views of the ways and means
tor meeting the demands contemplated by them
will be submitted to Congress by the Secretary
of the Treasury. It is gratifying to know that
the expenses made necessary by the rebellion are
no} beyond the resources of the loyal ptopls, and
to believe that the same patriotism which has
thus far sustained the government will con
tinue to sustain it, till peace and union shall
again bless the laud.
THE ARMY.
I respectfully refer to the report of the Se
cretary of War for information respecting the
numerical strength of the army, and for re
commendations iu view of au increase of its ef
ficiency and the well-being of the various
branches of the service entrusted to his care
It is gratifying to know that the patriotism of
the people has proved equal to the occasion,
aud that the Dumber of troops tendered great
ly exceeds the force which Congress author
ized me to call into the field. I refer with
pleasure to those portions of his report which
makes allusion to the creditai le degree of dis
cipline already attained by our troops, aud
in the excel leu t sauitary condition of the eu
tire army.
The rccommenda ion of the Secretary for
an organization of the militia upon a uniform
basis, is a subject of vital importance to the 1
future safety of the country, and is commend- '
ed to the serious attention of Congress. The
large addition to the regular army iu couuec- ,
tiou with the defection that has so considera- i
bly diminished the number of its officers, gives ,
peculiar importance to his recommeudatiou for
increasing the corps of cadets to the greatest
copacitv of the Military Academy By mere j
omission, 1 presume, Congress has failed to j
provide chaplains for the hospitals occupied i
by the volunteirs.
This subject was brought to my uotice, and j
I was iuduced to draw up the form of a letter,
properly addressed, has been delivered to each
of the persous, and at the dates respectively
named and stated in.a schedule containing also
the form of a 'etter marked A, and herewith
transmitted. These gentlemen, I understand,
entered upon the duties designated, at the
times respectively stated in the schedule, aud
have labored faithfully therein ever since. I
therefore recommend that they be compensa-
I led at the same rate as chapl iius in the army.
1 further suggest that general provisions be
j made fe r chaplains to serve at the hospitals
well as with legimeuts.
THE NAVY.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy
presents in detail the operations of that
i branch of the service, the activity and energy
which have characterized its administration
' aud the results of measures to increase its ef
ficiency and power. Such have been the ad
ditions by construction and purchase that it
may almost be said a navy has been created
, aud brought into service siuce our difficulties
; commenced.
Besides blockading our extensive coast,
j squadrons larger than ever before assembled
under our flag have been put afloat, and per
i formed deeds which have increased our naval
: renown.
I would invite special attention to the re
commendation of the Secretary for a more
perfect organization of the navy by introduc
! iug additional grades in the service. The pre-
I sent organization is defective and unsatisfacto-
I ry, and the suggestions submitted by the de
: partment will, it is believed, if adopted, obvi-
I ate the difficulties alluded to promote harmony
and increase the efficiency of the navy.
THE SCTREME COURT VACANCIES.
There are three vacancies on the bench of
! the Supreme Court, two by the decease of
Justices Daniel and McLean, and one by the
resignation ofj Justice Campbell. I have so
| far forbore making nominations to fill the va
! cancies for rea>ous which I will now state :
i Two of the outgoing Judges resided within the
I states now overrun by revolt, so that if sue
' cessors were appointed in the same localities,
; they could not now serve upon their circuits,
and many of the most competent men thera
i probably would not take the personal hazard
of accepting to serve eveu here upon the
Supreme Bench.
I have been unwilling to throw all the ap
pointments northward, thus disabling myself
from doing justice to the South on the return
of peace, although I may remark that to trans
for to the North one which has heretofore been
in the South would not, with reference to ter
ritory and population, be uojust.
Daring the long and brilliant jodicial career
of Judge McLean, his circuit grew into an
empire altogether too large for any one Judge
to give the courts therein more than a nomiu- j
al attendance, rising in population from one
million four hundred and seventy thousand
and eighteen, in 1830, to six millions one hun
dred and filty-one thousand four hundred and
fivo in 1860. Besides this, the couutry, gen
erally, has outgrown our present judicial sys
tern.
If uniformity was at all intended the sys
tem requires that all the S'ates shall he ncc>-
uiodated with Circuit Courts, attended with
Supreme Judges, while, iu fact, Wisconsin,
Minnesota, I<wa, Kansas, Florida, Texas, Ca
lifornia and Oregon have never had any such
courts.
Nor can this well be remedied without a change of the
system, because t'ue adding of judges to the Supreme
Court, enough for the accommodation of all parta of the
country with Circuit Courts, would create a court alto
gether too numerious for a judicial body of any sort, and
the evil of it be one that will increase as new states came
into the Union.
Circuit courts are useful or they are Dot useful. If
useful , no state should be denied them. If not useful
no state should have them. Let them be provided for
all or abolished as to all.
Three modifications occur tome, either of which. 1
think, would be an improvement upon our present sys
tem. Let the Supreme Court be ot convenient number
in every event.
Then , first let the whole Country be divided into cir
cuits of convenient size, the Supreme judges to serve in
a number, of tbem corresponding to their owe number,
and independent Circuit judes be provided for al!
the rest.
Or, secondly, let the Supreme Judges be releaved from
Circuit duties, and Circuit Judges provided for all the
Circuits.
Or, thirdly, dispense with Circuit Courts altogether,
leaving the judicial functions wholly to the District
Courts and an independent Supreme Court.
REVISION OF STATt'RE.
I respectfully recommend to the considera
tion of Congress the present condition of the
statne laws, with the hope that Congress
will be able to find a 1 easy remedy for many
of the inconveniences and costs which con
stantly embarrass those engaged in the prac
tical administration of them
Since the organization of the government j
Congress has enacted some five thouand acts |
and joint resolutions, which fill more thau
six tuom-and closely printed pages, and are
scattered through m&ry volumes Many of
these acts have been drawn in haste and with
out sufficient caution, so that their provisions
are often obscure in themselves, or in conflict
with each othpr, or at least so doubtful as to
render it very difficult for even the best inform
ed persons to ascertain precisely what the sta
tute law really is.
It seems to me very important that the sta
tute laws should he made as plain and intelli- !
gent us possible, and he reduced to as small a
compass as may consist with the fullness and
precision of the will of the legislature, and
the perspicuity of its language. These well
done, would, 1 think, greatly facilitate the !u
--bor of those whose duty it is to assist in the !
administration of the laws, and would be a
discharge of their pat;iotic duty it is to assist
in the administration of the laws, and would
be a discharge of their patriotic duty to sup- \
port the government under these circumstan- |
ces. I have been urgently solicited to estab
lish, by military power, coruts to administer
summary justice iu aoh cases. 1 have thus
far declined to do it, not because I had any
doubt that he end proposed—the collection
of the debts—was just and right in itself,
but because I have been unwilling to go be
yond the presnre of necessity in the unusual
exercises of power. But the powers of Con
gress, I suppose, are equal to the anomalous
occasion, and therefore. I refer the whole
matter to Congress with the hope that a plan
may be divised for the administration of justice
in all such parts of the iusugent states and
territories as may he under control of this gov
ernment, whether by a voluntary return to
allegiance und order, or by the power of arms;
this, however, not to be a (permanent institu
tion, but a temporary substitute, and to cease
as soon as the ordinary courts can be re eslab
lished in peace.
CLAIMS
It is important that some more convenient means
should be provided. it possible, for the adjustment of
claims against the government, especially in view of
their increased number uy reason of the war.
It is as much the duty of the government to render
prompt justice against itself in favor of citizens as it is
to administer the same between private individuals.
The investigation and adjudication of claims in thgir
nature belong to the judicial department; besides, it is
apparent that the attention of Congress will lie more
than usually engaged, for some time to come, with
great national questions.
It was intended by the organisation of the Court of
Claims mainly to remove this branch of business from
the Halls of Corgress : but while the court has proved
to be an eflective and valuable means of investigation,
it in a great degri e fails to effect the object of its crea
tion for want of power to in ike its judgments final.
Fully aware ol the delicacy, not t J say the danger of
the subject. 1 commend to your caretul consideration
whether this power of miking judgments final may not
properly be given to the Courts reserving the right of
appeal on questions of law to the Supreme (Joint. with
such other provisions as experience may have shown to
be necessary -
i ask attention to the report of the I'ostmaster-Gan
eral, the following being a summary statement of the
condition ot the department :
REVENUE.
The revenue from all sources during the fiscal year,
endiug June 30, I*6l, including the annual permanent
appropriation of seven hundred thousand dollars for the
transportation of free mail matter, was nine million forty
nine thousand two hundred and ninety-six dollars and
forty cents, being about two per cent, less than the rev
enue. TUK EXPENDITURES
For 1860 the expenditures were $13,600,750 11, shows
a decrease of more than eight per cent, as compared
with those of the previous year, and leaving an excess
of expenditures over $557,462 71. The gross revenue
for the year ending June 20. 1861, making $8,683,000,
to which should be added the earnings of the depar'inent
in carrying free matter, viz.- $700,000, making $9,383.
The total expenditures for 1863 are estimated at sl2,
528,000, leaving an estimaied deficiency of $3 .116.000, to
be supplied from the Treasury in addition to the perma
nent appropriation.
The present insurrection shows, I think, that the ex
tension of this district across the Fotoinac river, at the
time of establishing the capital here, was eminently
wise, and, conseque tly, that the relinquishment of that
portion of it which lies within the state ol Virginia, was
unwise and dangerous.
1 submit to your consideration the expediency of ro
gaing that part ol the district and the restoration of the
original boundaries thereof, throught negotions wish the
state of Virginia.
THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior with the
accompanying documents exhibition of the several
branches of the public business pertaining to that de
partment. The depressing influences of the iasurrec
tion have been especially felt in the operations of the
patent and general land offices.
The cash receipts from the sales of public lands du
ring the past year have exceeded the expenses ot our
land system only about $209,000. The sales have been
entirely suspended in the southern States, while the in
terruptions to the business of the couutry and the di
verting of large numbers of men from labor to military
service, have obstructed settlements in the new states
and Territories of the northwest.
THE EXTENT OFFICE.
The receipts of the Patent Office have declined in nine
months about SIOO,OOO rendering a large reduction of the
.orce employed necessary to make it self sustaining.
PENSIONS.
The demands upon the Pension Office will be large
ly increased by the insurrection. Numerous applications
for pensions, based upon the casualties of the existing
war, have already been made.
There is reasou to believe that many who are now up
on the pension roll and iu receipt ot the bounty of the
government, are in the ranks of the insurgent army or
giving them aid and comfort.
The Secretary of the Interior has directed a suspension
of the payment of the pensions ot snch persons upon
proof ot their disloyalty. I recommend that Congress
authorize that officer to cause the names of such persons
to be stricken from the pension roll.
THE INDIANS.
The relations of the government with the Indian
tribes have been greatly disturbed by the insurrection,
especially in the southern superinteudency and in New
Mexico. *
The Indian country south of Kansas is in possession of
the insurgents from Texas to Arkansas.
rheagents of the United States appointed tine c the
4th of March for this superintendency have been unable
to reach their posts, while the most ot those who were
in office before thai time have espoused the insurrection
ary cause, and assume U> exercise the powers of agents,
by virtue of the commission from the insurrectionists.
It has been stated iu tiie public press that a portion of
these Indians have been organized as a military force and
are attached to the army of the insurgents.
Although the government has no official information
upon the subject, letters have been written to the Com
missioner of Indian Affairs by several prominent chiefs,
giving assurance of their lo3'alty to Hie United States,
and expressing a wish for the presence of the federal
troops to protect them.
It ia believed that upon the re possession of the conn
try by the federal forces, the Indians will readily cease
all hostile demonstrations, and resume their former re
lations tithe government.
Wlule it is tortunate that this great interest is so in
dependent in its nature as not to have demanded and
extorted more from the government, I resjiecUully a--k
Congress to consider whether something more cannot
be given voluutarily with general advantage.
Annual reports, exhibiting tlie condition of our agri
culture, commerce and manufactures, would present a
fund of information of great practical value to the coun
try.
While I make no suggestion as to details I venture the
opinion that an agricultural and statistical bureau might
profitably be organized.
SLAVE TRADE REPORT.
The execution of the laws for the suppres
sion of the African slave trade has bceu con
fined to the Department of the Interior. It
is a subject of congratulation that the effort
which have been made for the suppression of
this inhuman traffic have been recently attend
ed with unusual success. Five vessels being
fitted out for the slave trade have been seized
and condemned. Two mates engaged in the
aud one person equipping a vessel as a slaver,
have been convicted and subjected to the Quo
and imprisonment , and oue captain, taken
with a cargo of Africans on board his vessel,
has been convicted of the highest grade of of
fence under our laws, the puuishtneEt of which
is death.
THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE WEST
The Territories of Colorado, Decotah, and
Nevada, created by the last Congress, have
been organized, and civil administration has
been inaugurated therin under auspices es
pecially gratifying, when it is considered that
the leaven of treason was found existing in
some of these new countries when the federal
officers arrived there . The abuodent natu
ral resorccs of these Territories, with the se
curity and protection afforded by organized
government, will doubtless invite to tliem a
large immigration when peace shall restore
the business of the country to its accustomed
channels. I submit the resolutions of the
Legislature of Colorado, which evidence the
patriotic spirit of the people ot the Territories.
So far the authority of the United Stales has
been upheld in all the Territories, as it is !
hoped it will be iu ihe future. I commend
their interest and defeuce to the enlightened
and generous care of Congress.
INTERESTS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
I recommend to the favorable consideration
of Congress the interests of the District of (
Columbia The insurrection lias been the
cause of much suffering and sacrifice to its in
habitants ; and as they have no representa
tive in Congress that body should uct over
look their just claims upon the government.
THE EXHIBITION OF INDUSTRY OF 1862 j
At your late session a joint resolution was
adopted authorizing the President to take
mcusures for facilitating a proper representa
tive of the industrial interests of the United
States at the Exhibition of the Industry of
Al! Nations, to be holdeo at London iu the
year 1862. I regret to suy 1 have been una
tile to give personal attention to this sub
ject—a subject at once so interesting iu itself
and so exleusively # and intricately connected
with the material prosperity of the world—
Through the Secretaries of State and of the
Interior a plan or system has been devised and
partly matured which will be laid before you,
COLONIZATION OF EMANCIPATED SLAVES
Under and by virtue of the act of Congress,
entitled " An Act to Confiscate Property used
for Insurrectionary Purposes,' approved Aug
6, 1861, the legal claims of certain persons to
the labor and service of certain persons have
become forfeited, and numbers of the latter
thus liberated are already dependent on the
United States uml must be provided for in
some way. Besides this, it is not impossible
that some of Ihe Stales will pass similar en
actments for their own benefits respectively,
and by the operation of which persons cf the
same class will be thrown upon them for dis
posal. In such case 1 recommend that Con
gress provide for accepting such persons from
; such States, according to some mode of valu
ation, in liru protanto of direct taxes, or upon
some other plan to be agreed ou with such
States respectively that such persons, on such
acceptance by the general government, be at
I once deemed free; and that in any event
steps be taken for colonizing I oth classes, or
the one Crt mentioned, if the other shall not
'he brought into existence, at some place or
places congenial to hem. It might be well to
' consider too, whether the free colored people
| in the Uuiued States could not, so far as indi
viduals may desire, be iucluded iu such colo
! nization. To carry out the plan of eolonizt
tionjmay iuvolvejthe acquiring of territory.aud
also the appropriation of money beyond that
to be expended in the territorial acqusition.
Having practiced the acquisition of territory
for nearly sixty years the question of constitu
tionai p:wer to do so is no longer au open one
with us. The power was at first questioued
i by Mr. Jefferson, who, however, in the pur
chase of Louisana, yielded his scruples on the
plea ol great expediency. If it be said that
the ouly legitimate object of acquiring territo
j ry is to furnish homes ior white men this mea
sure effects that object, for the emigration of
colored men leaves additional room for white
men remaining or coming here. Mr. Jeffer
son, however, placed the importance of pro
curing Louisana more on political and com
mercial grounds thau ou providing room for
j population.
| THE INTEGRITY OF THE UNION THE PRIMARY OB
JECT OF THE WAR.
On this whole proposition, including the ap
propriation of money with the acquisition of
territory, does not the expediency amount to
absoluto necessity, without which the govern
ment cannct be perpetuated ! The war con
tinues. In considering the policy to be adop
ted for suppressing the insurrection I have
been anxious and careful that the inevitable
conflict for this purpose shall not degenerate
into a violent aud remorseless revolutionary
struggle. I have, therefore, in every case,
thought it proper to keep the integrity of the
; Union as a primary object of the contest on
our part, leaving all questions which are not
of vital military importance to the more delib
erate action of the legislature. In the exer
cise of my best discretion I have adhered to
the blockade of the ports held by the insur
gents, instead of putting iu force, by procla
mation, the law of Congress enacted at the
last session for closing these ports. So, also,
obeying the dictates of prudence, as well as
the obligations of law, instead of transcending
I have adhered to the act of Cengress to con
fiscatc property. BDCI for insurrectionfiry par
poses. If u new law upon the same subject
shall be proposed its propriety will be duly
considered.
'lht Union must be preserved, and hence all
dispensable means must be employed We
should not be in haste to determine that radi
cal and extreme measures, which may reach
the loyal as well as the disloyal, are indispen
sable. The inaugural address at the beginning
of the Administration, and the Mcfisage to
Congress at the late special session, were both
mainly devoted to the domestic controversy out
of which the insurrection and consequent war
have sprung. Nothing now occurs to arid to
or subtract from, the principles or general pur
poses stated and expressed in those documents.
The last ray of hope for preserving the Uniou
peaceably expired at the assault upon Fort
Sumter, and a general review of what and ac
curred since may not be unprofitable. What
was painfully uncertain then better de
fined and more distinct uow, and the progress
of events is plainly in the right direction.
THE SLAVE STATES OF MARYLAND, KENTUCKY AND
MISSOURI UNCHANGEABLY BANGED ON TIIE SIDE
OF I.AK UNION.
The insurgents confidently claimed a strong
support from north of Mason and Dixon's
line, and the friends of the Union were not
free from apprehension oo the point. This,
however, was soon settled definitely and on the
right side. South of the line noble little Del
aware led off right from the first. Maryland
was made to seem against the Union, our
soldiers were assaulted, bridges were burned
and railroads torn up within her limits, aud we
were many days at one time without the abili
ty to bring a singie regiment over her soil to
the capital. Now her bridges and railroads
are repaired and open to the government. She
already gives seven regimentiAto the cause of
Lftiion and none to the enemy, and ourpeople,
at a regular election, have sustained the Union
by a large majority aud a larger aggregate
vote than they ever before gave to any candi
date or any question.
Kentucky, too, lor some time in doubt, is
now decidedly aud, I think, unchangeably
ranged on the side of the Union.
Missourri is comparatively quiet, and I be
lieve canuot again be overrun by the insurrec
tionists. These three States of Maryland,
Kentucky, and Missouri, neither as which
would promise a single soldier at first, have
now an aggregate of not less than 40,000 in
the field for the Union ; while of their citi
zens, certaiuly not more than a third number
and they of doubtful whereaootits and doubt
existence, are in arms against it- After a
somewhat bloody struggle of months, winter j
closes ou the L T nion people of Western Vir
ginia, leaves them masters of their OWD *oun
try.
"ASTERN VIRGINIA RETURN TO HER A LI. EG IA VCE
An insurgent forceof about 1500,10r months
dominating the narrow peuinsulur region con
stituting the counties of Accomac and North
ampton, and known as the Eastern Shore of
Virginia, together with some contiguous parts |
of Murvland, have laid dowu their arms, and •
there have renewed the alliegance to aud ac- [
cepted tlie protection of the old !Ug This ]
leuves no armed insurrection north of the I'o- j
tomac or east of the Chesapeake.
OCCUPATION OF IIATTERA9, PORT ROYAL AND TY- j
BEE ISLAND
ANo we have obtained a footing at each of |
the isolated points on the Southern coist of
Huttetas, l'ort Royal, Tybee Island, neurSa
vannah, and Shid Island, and we likewise have
some general accounts of popular movements
in behalf of the Union in North Carolina and
Tenncs.s e. The things demonstrate that the
course of the Uniou is advancing steadily
southward.
BESIGXMF.NT OF GENERAL SCOTT.
Since your last adjournment Lieutenant
General Scott has retired from the head of the
army. During his long life the nation has
not been unmindful of his merit, yet on calling
to mind how faithfully, ably and brilliantly he
has served the country a time far back
iu our history, when few ol the now living had
been boru and thenceforward continually, I
cannot but think that we are still his debtor.
I submit, therefore.for your consideration what
further mark of recognition is due to hitii and
ourselves as a grateful people.
APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL M CLELLAN As COM
MANDER IN-CHIEF.
W.th the retirement of General Scolt came
the executive duty of appointing in his stead a
general-in chief of the army. It is a fortu
nate circumstance that neither in couucii uor
country was there, so far as I know, any dif
ferertce of opinion as to the proper person to
be selected. The retiring chief repeatedly ex
pressed his judgment in favor of General Mc-
Clelian for the position, aud in this the nation
seemed to give a unanimous concurrence. The :
designation of General McClellan is therefore ;
in a considerable degree the selection ol the
country as well as ol the Executive, and hence
there is better reasou to hope there will be
given him the confidence uud cordial support
thus by fair implication promised, and without
which he cannot with so full efficiency serve
the couutry. It has been said that one bad ;
general is better thau two good ones, and the j
say ing is true, if taken to meuu no more than
an army is belter directed by a single miud, '
though inferior, thau by two superior oues at I
variance and cross purposes. And the same is j
true in all joiut optratious whereiu those enga
ed cau have none but a common end iu view, j
aud can diff r only as to the choice of means
In a storm at sea uo one ou board can wish |
the ship to sink, aud yet not unfrequeiitlv all
go dowu together, because too many will direct
aud uo single mind can be allowed to control
THE INSURRECTION IS AGAINST THE RIGHTS OF THE PKOFLE
It continues to develope that the iusurrecti >n is large
ly ,if not exclusively, a war upon the first principle ot
popular government—the rights ot the people. The con
clusive evidence oi this is tound in the most grave und
maturely considered public documents, as well as in the
general tone ot the insurgents. In these documents we
liud the abridgement of the existing right of suffrage,
and the ik-uial to the people ot all right to participate in
the selection of public officers- except the legislative
body, advocated with labored arguments to prove that
large coutrol ot the gov rninent in the peoply is the
source ot all political evil. Monarchy itself is sometimes
hinted at as a possible refuge from the power of the peo
people. in my present position I could scarcely I* justi
fied were 1 to omit raising a waruiiug voice against this
approach of returning despotism.
CON EI DERATION OD CAPITAL AND LVBOR —POPULAR RIGHTS
AND POPULAR INSTITUTIONS.
It is not needed nor fitting here that a general argu
ment shoutu be made in favor ot popular institutions ;
but there is one point, witli its connections' not so hack
neyed as most others, to which t ask a brief attention-
It is the effort to place capital on an equal footing with,
if not above labor, in the structure ol government. It is
assumed that labor is available only in connection with
capital ; that nobody tabors unless somebody else own
ing capital, somehow by the use of it, induces him to la
bor. This assumed, it is next considered whether it is
best that capital shall hire laborers, and thus induee
them to work by their own consent, or buy them and
drive them to ii without their consent. Having proceed
ded so far. it is naturally concluded thatal! laborers are
either hired laborers or what wc call slaves ; and fur
ther, it is assumed that whoever is once a hired laborer is
fixed in that condition for lite. Now there is no such
relation between capital and l*b>i is aenncd, nor is
there any such thine as a free mm i„ t
the condition of a hired laborer. S h *td[ 0r
Both of these assumptions are fi!.
ftom them are groundless. I,abor ,V prfj'
pendent of capital. Capital is only the mi,, •£
would have never existed il labor had not fi'
Labor is the superior of capital and desemL
higher consideration. Capital baa it, r , J lt "
as worthv of protection as any other K
denied that there is, and proliahlv alwa*. I'-i, '>• It
latiou between labor and capital Lrodn,L J, , U , 1 *
tits. The error is in assuming that tie ,
coramuuity exists within that relation t ,
capital, aud that few avoid labor themKs'.J," * n <*
their capital hire or buy another few to i*" d *•'
A large majority In-long to neither class" noitc lhnr
for others nor hare others working f or •hem! *'" i
the Southern States a majority of the
colors are neither slaves nor masters, while intu e
cro a large majority arc neither hirers oo r b.,3 ni
with their tamilies, wives, sons and daug!,, N
themselves on their larms, sn their bouscs'ani! u ! ' Jr
shops, taking the whole product to themselve- :
ing no tavors ol capital on the one baud nor of w
borers or slaves on the other. It is not *
considerable number of persons mingle their ,™T l 1
with capital—that is, they labor with their own a
and also buy or hire others to labor tor ibem - i „ v
is only a mixed and not a distinct class. No' D ™'
stated is disturbed by the existence of this mixed r"'^'
Again, as has already been said, there is not nrT*
sity, any such thing as the free hired laborer bein.T 8 '
in that condition lor life. Many independent mL *
rywhere in these States, a few years truck in the,
were hired laborers. The o indent, per,mie.- l*'r
the world labors for wages awhile, saves a irarplu, 1
which to buy tools or land for himself, then
his own account another while, aud at length hire' *
other new beginner to help him. This U the jut
generous and prosperous system which open, the
all, gives hope to all, aud consequent energy and pn
aud improvement ol the condition of all. No meu
are more wonhy to he trusted than those who t#!?' 3 '
from poverty ; none less inclined to touch aught w , *{
they have not honestly earned, Let them hewing
surrendering a political power which they already
sess. and which, if surrendered, will surely he used!?
close the door of advancement against such as they
to fix new disabilities and burthens upon them tiffin;
liberty shall be lost.
From the first taking of our national census to the ia
are seventy years, and we find our population at the*!?
of the period eight times as great as it was at that**?
ning. We thus have, at one view, what the
principle, applied to government through the machine*
of the States and the Union, has produced in a r w '
time, and also what, if firmly maintained, it ur-mi!
for the future. p
There are already among as those who, if the Union >
preserved, will live to see it contain 250,•00,000 T;,
struggle of to-day is not altogether for to-day. iij,."'
a vast future also.
With a firm reliance on Providence, all the more tra
and earnest, let us proceed iu the great task which trw,
have devolved unou us.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 1861.
§rabfori importer,
E. O. GOODRICH, EDITOR.
TOWAXDA :
Thursday Morning, December 5, 1861,
00NGRE3S—THE PRESIDENT' 3 MESSAGE
Congress convened at Washington ou in
day, the organization holding over from fin
extra session convened on the 4th of Jul]
last
The President's Messege was read on TV*
day, and will be found at length in onr piper
this morning. Owing to its length we are un
able to give oar usual variety of news, Ac.
The Message is uiiu*ally interesting, and
commend it to the careful perusal of onr
readers. We have neither time uor space far
comment.
sa&ftaras.
In Derrick Nov. 7.by Rev. Geo. I.ind .n MORTIMEI
K TAYLOR, to Miss MARTHA H. MAYNAUD,hot
of Rouic, PA.
DIED,
At Ringhamtnn. X. Y.. on Tuesday. 12th November.Km,
NANCY O'HARA, (mother ot Mrs. E. O. GooPicti
aged 85 y ears.
Stto lltotomfjrtocnts.
Al) MIN IST Ft A TOR'S NOTICE —Now
is hereby given, that all persons indrhted tni
estate of BUEL SMITH, deceased, late of|CMtt
township, are requested to make payment withoutd-i:'
and those having claims against the said estate willpleut
present them duly authenticated lor settlement.
ANDREW KIFF.
DM. i, 1961. i minima* I
0 IIP II AX 'S ( OU RT SALE -By virtue
of an order of the Orphan's Court of Bradford coun
ty. will be exposed to public sale, on the premier in
Rome twp., on Monday, December .10th. 18S1. all th\t
certain lot, piece or parcel nt land Iving and being in tha
township of Rome, in said county, late the estate of S A
TH AN B HILL, dee'd.. bounded as tollows :on the north
by land set apart to widow by appraisement, on the south
by lands of E. M. High, on the east by lands contracted
by the said Nathan Hill, west by lands of J Seely and N
B. Buman, containing 21 acres aud 6a perches, all im
proved.
ALSO—The decedents interest in a certain lot. piev
or parcel of land contracted ol Wm. B. Chmea. bonndtd
on the north by land of Thorn is .1. Mill. °n the south b;
lands of E. M. Aigh, east by lands of Daniel Russell, on
the west by lands of said Nathan B Hill, dee'd. 0)8-
taining about 40 acres, about 15 acres improaed.
TERMS OF SALE. —Dne fourth of the purchase money BA
paid on confirmation of the rale, and the bulaccMtt si
months therefrom, with interest.
SMITH?LENT, Ada
Rome, Dec.S. 1861. ___
MUSICAL CONVENTION.
The Fifth Annual Convention
OF TIIE
CHORIL UNION Ml
WILL BE HELD
AT LERAYSVILLE. PA,
During.the Holidays,
Commencing Monday, l>ec. 21. •
At 9 o'clock. A.M., to continue tour days and close
with a
GRAND COXCKRT,
ON FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER V,
UNDER TUE DIRECTION OK
PR.CF. GEO. F. ROOT. OF BOSTON,
Author of several popular Musical Works.
ADMITTANCE TO THE FT..L COURSE:
' ll3®
; Gentlemen a
| Ladies jt
To the Concert
%W The " Diapason" and Festival Flee book *- *
! used Those having them will please bring then
tr Good board oan be obtained at the Hotel* ■
| private families at reasonable prices.
| Prof. ROO T has given encouragement ths'
j accompanied by some distinguished singer,
daring the Convention. .^o
All Clergymen are requested to read this 80,
their Congregations, and attend the Convention
charge. , „. k .gi
The friends of Prof. RO >T, and all lovers ol ma*
respectfully invited to attend.
By order of the Committee. ~
LEWIS WELLS, P*
R. B. HOWELL, S<ct.
Dec.5.1861. —rTn
S~~ TRATTON'S YEAST COMPOJM
has been tried hy at least half the famil"* ' ft
1 town for the past year, and has proved to' *
' ; comes in convenient packages containing 10cen
One cent will buy sufficient for a baking for
family. For sale at
AMERICAN HOTEL,
Pa., (near the bridge ) M. !
I Towanda, Nov. 20, 1861.